Species Leucochrysa pavida - Lichen-carrying Green Lacewing

Leucochrysa (Nodita) pavida (Hagen 1861)

Nodita pavida (Hagen 1861)

Orig. Comb.: Chrysopa pavida Hagen, 1861

Leucochrysa pavida (Hagen 1861)

Adults have rather long antennae, a golden head and regions of the thorax, red stripes on the antennal scapes, a red stripe on the gena, dark stripes on the sides of the prothorax, and conspicuously darkened pterostigmas (characteristic of most members of the genus). To further contrast other members of the genus, the body lacks any spots, and the vertex of the head is unmarked.

Larvae are known for carrying lichens. While this is also occasionally done by some Ceraeochrysa, the two are readily separated by facial markings, with Ceraeochrysa particularly lacking the lowermost line between the mandibles. Other traits may additionally help to separate L. pavida from other members of the genus in the absence of its debris covering.

L. pavida larva with facial markings visible, noting in part the mark between the mandibles.

For comparison: Another species, Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis, lacking the mark between the mandibles.

IN, NC-FL, TX(1)

Ceraeochrysa lineaticornis has similarly long antennae and striped antennal scapes. It can be separated by the red color of these stripes, pale green head, unmarked face, and lack of darkened pterostigmas.